Spanish Immersion, Lakes International Language Academy, Forest Lake

11 May 2011 5:23 PM |
Anonymous

Job Description: Teachers are responsible for carrying out the school’s mission and vision. Teachers carry out all responsibilities associated with elementary language immersion teaching. They conduct classroom instruction of all subjects in Spanish; develop curriculum materials using instructional strategies for elementary students; infuse internationally minded concepts into the curriculum on a continual basis; incorporate hands-on learning activities into daily instruction; communicate closely and encourage parental involvement regarding program goals, classroom activities, homework, school functions and student progress; create a safe and welcoming classroom environment; collaborate with grade-level teachers, program specialists, program coordinator, director and other staff regarding program implementation; maintain knowledge of current and emerging trends, procedures and evaluation processes in language education; participate in weekly program planning and staff development activities; participate in all training programs required for language immersion, Responsive Classroom, and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program.

Overview: Lakes International Language Academy is a K-6 public school educating over 600 students in Forest Lake, MN, authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization.

Our staff works hard, and has a lot of fun in the process.

Teachers are involved in developing curriculum and writing materials, as well as decision making for the school. In fact, our board of directors has a teacher majority. We enjoy high teacher retention, and a waiting list of students who want to enter our program.

Our Mission

Lakes International Language Academy, a public elementary school, strongly emphasizes second language acquisition by immersing children in Spanish from kindergarten through sixth grade. The students of Lakes International are held to a high standard in traditional elementary subjects and at the same time prove capable of establishing a high level of proficiency in both spoken and written Spanish.

The Lakes International community promotes a strong academic foundation, a safe and pleasant atmosphere, and health and physical activity for our students. We value our faculty and staff not only for their hard work and dedication but for the gifts they share with our children: knowledge, language, multi-cultural understanding, and a love of learning.

Lakes International values individuality, and recognizes that everyone has a different set of strengths and needs. We value community, and strive to make connections with others in our school, our community, and beyond. Lakes International will provide a quality education that prepares critically thinking, socially capable, culturally aware young people to thrive in a diverse, global society.

Achievement: received our charter in 2004, renewed in 2007, and 2010.
Entered a cooperative agreement with the nearby district school to offer continued Spanish immersion in grades 7 – 12, where students receive language arts, social studies, and industrial arts in Spanish.
Outpaced projected enrollment each year of operation.
Earned respectable ratings on the MDE's School Report Card each year of operation.

Awards: Recognized for our fiscal responsibility from the MDE, receiving the state Finance Award for the past four years in a row.
Received a 2-year Theater grant from Perpich Center for the Arts in 2009.
Received Minnesota Schools of Character award in 2011.
Received a 2-year Dance grant from Perpich Center for the Arts in 2010.
Received a Theater grant from SteppingStone Theatre in 2011.

Work environment: We have a recently remodeled building, including a new wing with 14 new light-filled classrooms, a new gymnasium, and a new media center. We have up-to-date technology and are acquiring a rich array of print and other media resources.

Travel: Teachers are provided opportunities to participate in training provided both in the Twin Cities, and across the U.S. in the areas of Language Immersion, International Baccalaureate, and Responsive Classroom. Occasional travel is required.

Diversity: Many of our teachers were born in Spanish or Chinese speaking countries. All have traveled extensively, with nearly all having lived abroad for at least three months.
Training: Lakes International provides training for new staff in three areas: International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, Immersion training provided by the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition at the University of Minnesota, and Responsive Classroom training.

Working hours and Vacations: School starts at 7:50 am and releases at 2:10 pm. Teachers are expected to be in school by 7:25, and attend all staff and grade level meetings. Beyond those hours, workload varies by grade, unit, teacher experience, and the individual students in a teacher's class. As professionals, teachers are expected to put in the time it takes to do a professional job. Some weeks that will be as low as 40 hours, others, as high as 75 hours. In no way should this position be thought of as an hourly position. Vacations include typical US school vacations: 1+ week for winter break, one week for spring break, 2.5 months for summer break, as well as various vacation days through the year.

Career Track and Advancement: Many leadership positions are available, on a yearly basis, to Lakes International teachers, depending on their interests and expertise.

A Day in the Life: Arrive by 7:25, complete last minute preparations. Students begin to trickle in at 7:30. Spend time chatting (in Spanish) with students. Begin class at 7:50, with a Morning Meeting. Teach all disciplines, many in the form of a transdisciplinary Unit of Inquiry. Lunch at the same time every day--45 minutes, duty free. In addition, you will have one 30-minute ""prep"" period during the day, during which your students will go to a specialist subject, such as deportes, chino, or música. Dismiss class at 2:10, and do a short ""bus duty"" or ""car pool duty."" Two days a week, there will be a 1.5 - 2 hour meeting after school. Before or after school, or during lunch, meet with grade level team to discuss unit progress, assessment, and other issues.

Social functions: Usually at least one per month, arranged in the staff lounge, and held off site.

Qualifications: A valid Minnesota elementary teaching license is required. The candidate must have native or near native proficiency in both Spanish and English. Candidate should have lived in a Spanish speaking country for a minimum of six months or equivalent. A minimum of one year of elementary school teaching experience is preferred. Prior immersion classroom teaching experience is preferred. Familiarity with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme is also preferred. www.lakesinternational.orgspeterson@lakesinternational.org